Dec 13, 2022

Expansion of green list announced to help fill labour shortages

The government announced yesterday, a whole suite of measures to further support New Zealand businesses through the global labour shortage, and attract more highly skilled workers long term.

Here’s how this announcement will help businesses and employers like you:

Employer Accreditation

Employer accreditations will automatically be extended by 12 months if your first accreditation is applied for by 4 July 2023.

This is a one-off extension, so if you don’t already have your Accreditation, contact us now to avoid missing out.

Further roles are now also eligible for residence – making it easier for you to attract and retain the right international staff. But you will need to act now!

Roles added to Green List – straight to residence tier:

Registered Nurses (on 15 December 2022)

Midwives (on 15 December 2022)

Specialist Doctors not already on the Green List (on 15 December 2022)

Registered Auditors (from March 2023)

Roles added to Green List – work to residence tier from March 2023:

Civil Construction Supervisors

Gasfitters

Drain Layers

Skilled Crane Operators

Skilled Civil Machine Operators

Halal Slaughterers

Skilled Motor Mechanics

Skilled Telecommunications Technicians
Primary School Teachers

All Secondary School Teachers (in addition to the specialisations already on the Green List)

Bus & Truck Drivers
Bus & Truck drivers will also have a time limited residence pathway through a sector agreement.

If you are looking for skills in the above or any other roles, contact us now to discuss our skills attraction solutions.

Additional government announcements:

-A streamlined Specific Purpose work visa has been announced. This will help approximately 2,500 long-term Critical Workers, already in the country, continue to work in their current role for up to three years.

-A 12-month Open Work Visa has been announced for approximately 1,800 previous holders of Post Study Work Visas who missed out because of the border closure in 2020-21 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Start planning now to ensure you are not left behind!

With all of these changes being announced, it is important that you get prepared and make the most of the opportunities available to you or your staff.

We are here to help you make a plan.

Author

Nassim Lalehzari
Chief Commercial Officer – Visas
IAA License #201200100

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